Raven Crag Gully

Going by the knowledge of Friday’s outing at Low Water and a little word of mouth that someone had got up Raven Crag Gully. Paul and I got an early start to beet the crowds

Driving conditions were great, am temp in Kendal at 0600 was - 3 Thirlemere Valley - 6.5

We met 2 lads in the car park who were dedicated to the cause, 8 hour drive to get to the Lakes for just one day’s climbing then back home tonight!

At the foot of the route we could hear a team in front which turned out to be a pal, Steve Stout when we caught them up.

Gearing up happened in lightning speed, the keen team were kind enough to let us past which was handy as at the top of the first pitch we counted 12 people!!!

Conditions were thin, not all the route had formed and this pushed us out onto the left rib for pitch 3 rather than sticking to the direct line. Paul from King Kong CLimbing Walls and his pall scratched up it and reported from below that is was a little like dry tooling up a damp water fall rather than ice climbing!

The top pitch was there and in fine fettle, plenty of ribbing back to Steve for they had decided to scratch their way left rather than pear back into the ghyll to spy the top pitch.

Stunning views and a pleasant walk back down in time for a stop into Needle Sports.

Chatting to others that were out today…

Sour Milk Ghyll was in, but thin, a lad had fallen up to his waist in a pool.

Others had reported lots of ice up Honister and clear roads to the top due to the slate quarry keeping it open.

POSTED: 5th December 2010
BY: Dan
CATEGORIES: Technical Courses, Winter Conditions